When Rhinos Roamed Washington State: A Journey to the Blue Lake Rhino Fossil
Discovery of the Blue Lake Rhino
In 1935, amidst the lava cliffs of Washington’s Blue Lake, a remarkable discovery was made. While searching for petrified wood, two couples stumbled upon a large hole. Intrigued, Haakon Friele ventured inside, expecting to find fossilized wood. Instead, he encountered fragments of fossil bone, including part of a jaw.
Scientists identified the jaw as belonging to a Miocene rhinoceros known as Diceratherium, a distant relative of modern rhinos. The plaster mold created in 1948 revealed the distinct shape of a large, bloated rhinoceros lying on its back. The cavity’s pillow basalt walls suggested that the rhino had been entombed in a shallow pool or stream when lava flowed over it.
Over millions of years, the lava cooled and buried the rhino. The Spokane Floods, a series of catastrophic floods, miraculously eroded a hole at the tail end of the beast, exposing it 13,000 years later.
Exploring the Rhino’s Cave
In recent years, the Blue Lake Rhino fossil has become a destination for paleontological enthusiasts. Visitors can rent rowboats to access the north end of Blue Lake and scramble up the steep slope to the base of the cliff where the rhino hole is located.
The climb to the ledge above the hole is challenging, but the reward is well worth it. Inside the cave, visitors can marvel at the fossil remains of the ancient Diceratherium rhino. The experience of crawling into the rhino’s rump is truly unforgettable, offering a glimpse into the distant past of Washington State.
Scientific Significance of the Blue Lake Rhino
The Blue Lake Rhino fossil is a valuable scientific specimen that has shed light on the ancient ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. The presence of a rhinoceros in the region indicates a warmer and wetter climate during the Miocene epoch. The fossil also provides evidence of the dramatic geological events that have shaped the landscape of Washington State over millions of years.
The Adventures of an Artist and Scientist
Kirk Johnson, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, has chronicled his explorations of the fossil-rich West Coast in his book “Cruisn’ the Fossil Coastline.” In the book, Johnson describes his travels with artist Ray Troll, capturing the beauty and intrigue of the region’s ancient past.
Preservation and Research
The Blue Lake Rhino fossil is a reminder of the importance of preserving and studying our natural heritage. The ongoing research conducted on the fossil helps scientists understand the evolution of rhinos and the environmental changes that have occurred in Washington State over time.
Conclusion
The Blue Lake Rhino fossil is a testament to the wonders of the natural world. Its discovery and exploration have provided valuable insights into the ancient history of Washington State and continue to inspire awe and curiosity in visitors from around the world.
